Coconut oil is a great choice for massage, but if it has gotten on your sheets, there’s no need to toss them.
Coconut oil is a natural moisturizer and can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based products. It also has antibacterial properties that make it a favorite among those with sensitive skin.
But if you find yourself with coconut oil on your sheets, there are some simple steps you can take to get the stains out of your sheets without using detergent or bleach.
Does Coconut Oil Stain Sheets?
Yes, if you spill coconut oil on your bedsheets, it will leave a stain. Getting coconut oil out of sheets can be a hassle. It’s not only difficult to apply and remove, but it can cause damage to the fabric and make it look worn.
Will Coconut Oil Ruin Sheets?
Most types of coconut oil will leave a permanent especially raw coconut oil as it contains high amounts of lauric acid which is known for its antibacterial properties. This means that coconut oil may cause damage if left on sheets or fabrics for a long time.
Do Coconut Oil Stains Wash Out?
Yes, it is possible to wash coconut oil out of fabric and sheets. However, you will need to act quickly. You can use baking soda, detergent, vinegar, OxiClean, or hydrogen peroxide. The longer the stain remains on your clothing or sheets, the more difficult it will be to remove.
Using a mild detergent that contains enzymes can help break down the oil faster than plain soap and water. It’s also a good idea to make sure you’re using cold water rinse if possible so that any leftover coconut oil doesn’t set into your fabric.
How to Get Coconut Oil Out of Sheets
If you have coconut oil stains on your sheets, you can use the following steps to get them out.
Method #1
Pre-treat the stain with a commercial cleaner
If you have an enzyme cleaner at home, mix one part of the solution with two parts of water and apply it to the stain. Leave it to soak for at least 30 minutes before washing as normal.
Place the sheets in the washer
You need to place your sheets in the washing machine and add a few drops of dish soap (or another liquid).
You can also add 2 tablespoons of baking soda to your wash load and then add 2 tablespoons of vinegar to your wash load. This will help remove the coconut oil from your sheets.
Wash as usual
After letting the sheets soak for 30 minutes, wash them, as usual, using your regular detergent or specialty washing powder if available.
You should not use fabric softener as it will irritate your skin further. If necessary, rinse them again with cold water so that all traces of coconut oil are removed from them completely
Method #2: Baking Soda and Vinegar
Mix 1 cup of baking soda with 1 cup of water in a bowl. Add a few drops of vinegar to the mixture and stir until dissolved. Spray this mixture over the stained area. Let it sit for 30 minutes, then wash in cold water with detergent.
Method #3: Pretreat with Detergent
Another way to get rid of coconut oil stains on sheets is by using a liquid detergent. You can use any kind you want, but we recommend using one that has enzymes in it so that it can break down the oil.
- Mix 2 cups of hot water and 1 tablespoon of baking soda together in a large bowl.
- Stir until dissolved, then add enough regular laundry detergent to make a paste-like consistency (about 2 tablespoons).
- Apply this paste directly to the stain by rubbing it in with your fingers or spatula like you would regular laundry detergent. Allow it to sit for 5 to 10 minutes before rinsing away completely with cold water and washing as usual.
Method #4: Baking Soda and Hydrogen Peroxide
Your first step is to turn your sheets into a soft, spongy mess.
- The easiest way to do this is by putting some of the baking soda on a clean rag and rubbing it into your sheets.
- Then, add some hydrogen peroxide, which will help break down the oil.
- Use enough hydrogen peroxide to cover the oil completely.
- Allow this to sit for at least an hour, and then rinse all of the baking soda out of your sheets with warm water.
Method #5: Use Oxiclean stain remover
You can use Oxiclean to get coconut oil out of sheets, but it may not work as well as other methods.
If you want to be sure that you’re getting all of the coconut oil out of your sheets, use a spray bottle and spray some Oxiclean on the stains. Let it sit for five minutes and then blot up any excess with paper towels.
Method #6: Dawn Dish Soap
Dawn dish soap is an all-purpose cleaner that works well on many different surfaces. It is safe for most surfaces and will get rid of any leftover coconut oil stains on your sheets.
Simply wet a cloth with some Dawn dish soap, wring out the excess liquid, and apply it directly to your sheets. Leave it on for at least five minutes before rinsing with water and drying.
How to Get Old Coconut Oil Out of Sheets and Clothes
Coconut oil is a good moisturizer, but it can be hard to get out of clothes and sheets. Here’s how to remove old coconut oil from your laundry.
Apply some liquid detergent
Coconut oil has a slight coconut scent, so use a liquid laundry detergent that doesn’t have a strong scent or an odor-fighting ingredient like bleach or fabric softener.
Rub baking soda or cornstarch on the stain
Sprinkle some baking soda or cornstarch over the stain, let it sit for 15 minutes, then rinse away.
Let it sit for another 15 minutes before rinsing again and washing in cold water. The baking soda will absorb the coconut oil and leave your clothes clean and fresh-smelling instead of greasy and stinky.
Wash and Dry
Wash clothing in hot water with detergent and then let dry outside where there is no direct sunlight (if possible). If using dryer sheets, make sure that they don’t contain perfumes, dyes, or softeners as these can be harmful to fabrics.
How Often Should Bed Sheets Be Washed?
Most people wash their bed sheets once a week, and some wash them on the weekend.
The first thing to keep in mind is that washing bed sheets every week is not necessary to maintain the quality of your sheets.
The reason for this is that most people wash their sheets so often that they end up wearing them out before they have a chance to start wearing them out.
If you want to make sure that your bed sheets last a long time, then it is best to wash them once every two weeks instead of once every week. You will also see better results if you use detergent products that target dirt and stains instead of just regular soap and water products.
